After closing the 2550th Buddha Jayanti Celebration in Bodhgaya, His Holiness returned to Varanasi on the 20th of February, arriving at Vajra Vidhya Insitute in the afternoon. On his final day in Varanasi, the Karmapa fed the deer at Deer Park in Sarnath and meditated in front of the relics of Sakyamuni Buddha stored at the Relic Stupa. His Holiness then departed for New Delhi, on his way to back to Dharamsala.

Before departing New Delhi, His Holiness the Gyalwa Karmapa gave a teaching to the Tibet Study Group of India outdoors at the International Centre Auditorium in New Delhi. His Holiness arrived at his temporary camp in Gyuto Ramoche Tantric University on the 25th of February.

On the 28th of February, His Holiness was invited to participate in celebration of the Tibetan New Year (Losar according to the Phukluk Tibetan calendar — see here for more about the different calendar traditions in Tibet).The early morning session began with a mandala offering of long life to His Holiness by Ven. Khenpo Rinpoche of Gyuto Monastery. Ceremonial tea and rice were served to the assembly, and at the conclusion members of the audience offered khatas and His Holiness conferred his blessings.

On the following day, March 1, 2006, His Holiness celebrated the New Year with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, offering him a good luck scarf (khata) as the Dalai Lama’s residence. – Karma Woser Rabten

Quotes from the 17th Karmapa

Each person must find his or her own path. Nonetheless, seek guidance from wise and compassionate people and listen to them earnestly. This will help you find the best way to proceed – now and in the future.- Karmapa on Guidance

All traditions, whether religious or secular, have developed to benefit human society. In the event that a tradition or system becomes harmful, there’s no need to insist on following it.- Karmapa on Tradition

Human beings are the most intelligent and resourceful species on earth. If we use our intelligence to cause more suffering, rather than to bring some real benefit to others and ourselves, we are no better than beasts.- Karmapa on Intelligence

Just to simply relax and rest in your own natural state is all that you need to do. When you give yourself that opportunity, you’ll find that presence extends to the other parts of your life.- Karmapa on Meditation

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